DaysOfTheNight: You asked not to be left hanging too long so I'll oblige your request. :) Glad you liked Chap 7...Also, couldn't kill off Xander just yet. He is the villain after all. I'm not sure how long I'm going to make this anyway. Maybe a few more... shrugs shoulders who knows.
LordMakura: The villain will die! It's a promise not a threat. ;) I'm working to come up with a pretty inventive death for Xander. Something unique...I haven't read the manga, but I'd say Alucard devoured the hell out of Rip!
Demmie: A girl can dream... you know it! Xander will get his...Seras has already kicked his ass once. Maybe she'll get to do it again. I'm always happy to hear that you enjoyed my chaps! Your opinion means a lot! Thanx!
Susume: You like the infirmary scene...yeah! That whole scene was a slight question mark in the story. Apparently, though, it seemed to work.
SacredYoukai: Glad to know you got you're happy back! ;) This author, here, is thrilled you love my fic and like how it's written. Thanx so much!
Krafty Kitty: You loved this story and asked me to continue...so here it is! And by the way, thanx to you for reading!
midnight killer02: Lemons, lemons, lemons...Do I? Should I really? It hasn't been decided if I'll write one of not, but if enough of the fans want one... a lemon just might happen. ;)
Thanx to everyone who's read or read/reviewed...It's been greatly appreciated and helps me to move forward. Rating has gone up on this chapter due to a possible lemon. I'm not saying either way for sure. If it happens, I send it out to all the Alucard/Seras lovers out there, and I hope it makes you all happy. :)
My Blood, Tears and Humanity
Chapter 8: Hidden In Plain Sight
Integra expected a rather violent reaction from her servant after receiving the news that Xander still lived. He surprised her in fact. She was fuming that the villain had more lives than a damned cat. Alucard actually seemed amused and pleased that Xander hadn't died.
Darkly, the vampire laughed. "Finally! A challenge worth my effort! I haven't had an enemy like this since Incognito." Alucard smiled. Tilting his head up to the ceiling, he reveled in the potential of such an enemy. Also, the dark haired,powerful, vampire allowed his thoughts to wander to his fledgling and her wellbeing. "Integra, I'm not sure if this Xander will be enough for me to waste my time and power on at all. Police girl gave him a real good ass kicking a couple of times since they've met." His grin cocked up at the side of his mouth revealing one perfect fang.
Rolling her eyes, "Alucard, wipe those maniacal ideas out of your head. They'll accomplish nothing but to cause trouble." The Hellsing heir wanted their enemy to suffer as her hunter did. They had to be cautious; not cause him to panic and run. Sticking her right hand under her chin, Integra fell into deep thought.
"Integra, my master?"
His voice snapped her out of her reverie. If anything, he sounded unsure of something, but what? "Yes?" Integra was curious to hear the reason for his uncertainty. Laying her hand down in her lap, she stared at her servant.
Crimson eyes met ice blue ones and they both narrowed, then relaxed. "Integra, I don't want Seras to know about Xander yet. She's just beginning to recover and I don't need her to fear for her very undead life!" Alucard didn't want to withhold this information from Seras, but he had to do what was best for her. Difficult as it was to admit, the powerful No Life King cared for her, loved her even. He'd do whatever it took to protect his future queen!
Standing up, Integra turned and spread a small opening in the blind covering one of the few windows in her refuge. Intently searching outside, looking for who knew what, she calmly replied,"I agree, Alucard. After this last attack I have no idea how she'd react to this disturbing news." Releasing the blind, Integra spun to face her servant. "Alucard, I want you out there searching for him tonight! This bastard must be found and silenced!"
Chuckling evilly, his red eyes flashed cruel intentions. The notion of tearing the ex hunter to shreds and sending him to hell caused his undead blood to surge. He would gain revenge for himself, but more importantly, for Seras lying unconscious suffering tremendously from Xander's inflicted wounds. "As you wish, my master. What of Seras?" He didn't want to leave her, but if he rid the world of this refuse, she wouldn't have to worry about the American vampire no longer.
Down in the infirmary, the doctor checked on Seras's progress. With the undead, though, you can't measure vitals since their nonexistent. So he couldn't compare heart rate and blood pressure technically because she was already dead, or as the vampires preferred to be called... undead. The young physician smiled as her eyes fluttered bringing her from the wings of the unconscious world.
Seras's eyes shot open and took in her surroundings. "Where am I?" Her voice cracked with her question. She sounded so unsure of everything. Course that's how she really felt. Where was her master? Were was Alucard? Petite fists balled up in the pristine white sheets compounded with her frustration upon waking, and finding Alucard missing.
"He's in Integra's office. They had a meeting to discuss a few things." The doctor read her mind. Anyone would want to know the answer to that if they were in her predicament. He smiled warmly at her this time. Earlier he'd been more worried about her condition and couldn't afford to give her what he just now bestowed upon her.
"To my knowledge, it was just some Hellsing business. I believe it was regarding the vampire the both of you faced tonight. The same one that's been plaguing the Hellsing organization for the last week. From my what I've learned in the last few moments, it seems the vampire, Xander, is still alive. Also, they believe he's more than ever determined to take you back."
The more information the doctor shared, the more frightened she became. With being afraid came the feeling of anger and wanting to inflict bodily harm and torture on the jerk that did this to her. "What?"
"My name is Jacob Hellsing. I'm new here to this facility. And I know what you're going to say." His pale, short yellow hair gleamed under the infirmary lights. His blue, frigid eyes, however didn't seem so cold as she first surmised. "I'm Integra's twin brother that no one's knows exists. It was decided when we were younger to have it kept a secret. With her strengths, both inside and out, she was better suited for running Hellsing. I, on the other hand, Had aspirations to go into med school and become a doctor." He carefully eyed the fragile appearing blond beauty in front of him. Had Alucard not claimed her already, he'd be after her, vampire or not. Jacob didn't allow divisions such as those matter.
Seras's eyes bulged at the unexpected admission from this gorgeous doctor. Who knew that the ice cold bitch upstairs had a brother. A brother that was as nice and easygoing as Integra was freezingly reserved, uptight and fiery as a load of dynamite ready to explode. "Why haven't I heard of you?"
"I've been away finishing some schooling. And besides, Ine needed me. Her reserves on doctor's were getting low again, so here I am." Ending his little speech with arms wide open, he laughed at the shock and surprise emanating from her eyes.
"Ine?", she weakly questioned.
Moving closer to Seras, he leaned over her. "Ine, my sister. That's what I've always called her, Ine, it's her nickname. Let me warn you however, she's not big on being called that, but I do it to annoy the hell out of her. Makes it so much more fun. Wouldn't you agree?"
Seras knew she was going to like this man. In a strange, much calmer and less psychotic way, he was just like, Alucard, her master. Alucard loved to tease and torment Integra. You could say that he even lived for it, if you call it living. It was a favorite pastime of his. "In that respect, Dr. Hellsing, you and my master would get along great. He loves to torment the hell out of your twin."
Smirking he said, "I know. We've already talked a great deal while you were sleeping. And call me Jacob or Jake. Please, let's not stand on formalities."
"Sure. If it makes you happy then I'll call you Jake."
"It would make me happy, Seras. No one calls me Dr. Hellsing unless I'm working a shift at the hospital. Now, back to the matters being discussed upstairs." Letting out a pent up breath, he told her, "Integra is getting ready to send Alucard out to destroy Xander once and for all. He just found out that his nemesis is still alive."
Swallowing his intel, the dreadful fear creeped back in to the pit of her stomach. Spreading throughout her entire body, she felt cold and scared. "When? When will he be sent?"
"Tonight. Integra allowed him to have time with you. Time that he could watch over you personally and ensure your recovery. But now you're awake, she'll be patient for this no more. You're condition has improved drastically. I'll even go so far as to say you'll make a full recovery." Taking hold of her hand, he lowered his voice. "As soon as you're able, Ine wants you to go out and help Alucard. If his mission tonight ends in failure, you'll be sent with him when you're able to fight with no chances of a relapse."
"I don't want to be anywhere near that damned vampire! Look what he did to me!" Holding out her arms and showing her bruises and the healing cuts and gashes; even revealing the hideous reasons he kidnapped her in the first place. "I can't face Xander! Not right now! Maybe not ever." Her voice cracked with tears. Her facade broke down. She'd tried not to show just how much this enemy scared her, but it was impossible for Seras to keep up the front she'd erected.
Jake reached out and wrapped the sobbing blond in his arms. 'Alucard, you need to get your undead ass down here now!', he thought.
Up in Integra's office, Alucard's head shot up; his red eyes widened and Seras's distress suddenly shot through him. Her fear stabbed into his brain like a knife. Eyes narrowing, promising death to any who'd done this to her, he abruptly stopped Integra mid sentence. "I must go. Seras has awakened and somethings wrong."
"Wait! I'll go with you. I want to see for myself what's going on here." Jumping up, his master walked to stand beside the tall, red clad vampire.
"You know what that means, don't you? I thought you didn't like my mode of travel?" He latched on to this. Just another way to annoy Integra.
Snapping at her vampiric servant, "I don't! It's the quickest, most efficient way to travel as you so pointed out to me earlier! So let's get moving!"
Holding out his hand, he smirked when it was accepted. Opening the void, he stepped into it with Integra in tow. As soon as they'd stepped into the blackness, it was no time before they stepped out again entering the infirmary room which held Seras.
Surprised, two sets of eyes, one blue and the other red, viewed a distraught Seras being held closely, and being comforted by one doctor, who'd been previously ordered to keep his hands off the female. Thing is, Alucard wasn't even the originator of the order. Integra had been the one to issue the threat!
Coldly barking out, "What the hell is going on here?" Integra wasn't pleased to say the least at her brother's disobedience. Springing apart, the couple let go and Seras reached up to dry her tears. Integra spoke to Jake. "Jake, I'd like to see you outside...now!" Exiting the room, Integra went outside to wait on her twin. Following her lead, Jake walked out the door closing it as he left.
Alucard simply stood in place wondering what had conspired between Seras and the doctor.
Through her tears, Seras smiled. Stretching her arms out to her master, she called him to her side. "Alucard, I need you."
Those four words gripped him, gravitating the master vampire to his fledgling's side. Sitting down on the side of her bed, and he helped Seras to a sitting position. "Seras, what's wrong?" Taking her small hands in his larger ones, he rubbed them lightly.
"Who says anything's wrong?" Seras tried to deny her tears, her fears, but obviously she should've known better. Alucard happened to be a real pro at sensing fears and making the best of them. It was his job in a sense.
Removing his shades, he earnestly looked at her. "Seras, you're crying. I felt you're fear choking me while I was meeting with my master. You've never done that without a reason. So let's hear it and I won't leave you alone until I do."
Damn, the man was obstinate. Dropping her shoulders in defeat, Seras sighed. "Alright, I'll tell you. Not that I want to or anything. And I know how you are; I wouldn't have any peace around here until you got what you wanted."
Closing her eyes to gather her courage, finding it, she began her confession. "I know about Xander, master, and I know he's alive waiting for another chance at me."
Cursing inwardly, he wanted to dismember the person responsible for divulging this information to Seras. "Who was it? I want to know how you found out about our enemy." The look pasted on his face booked no argument whatsoever.
"That doesn't matter. I'm afraid, Alucard. He's going to come for me. I couldn't bear to be in his presence again! The things he's planning...they make my skin crawl." Pulling her hands from Alucard's snug grip, she rubbed her arms vigorously; trying to rid herself of Xander's ghostly, lingering, touch she still felt. "If he impregnates me," she glanced at him with teary eyes, "I want you to destroy me. Any child I'd carry from him would be an abomination. Promise me you'll do this...promise me!"
His two words that he spoke unnerved her and aroused her curiosity. "I can't."
"You can't? Why?"
Smoothing her hair down with his right hand, "Because, for starters, I refuse to allow the son of a bitch to touch you again! And also, I owe you an apology."
Confused, she asked him,"Why do you owe me an apology? You haven't done anything wrong to me."
Bowing his head then slowly raising his bloody eyes to meet hers, "Oh, but I have. It was my fault and overconfidence that the bastard got you in the first place. You'll never know how sorry I am for that...and then I was locked down doomed to sleep and couldn't help you!" Alucard could still remember the helpless feeling that had coursed in his body. The body that had been his ally for so long, betrayed him with Integra's orders, and left Seras to fend for herself.
"It wasn't your fault, master Alucard. Integra didn't realize what was happening. Had she known, she'd never have bound you in the basement again. I know she wouldn't have!" Her staunch defense of him caused him to smirk a little.
Alucard wasn't even sure how to form a real to life, sincere, smile. All he'd known for centuries, was smirking...the psychotic kind, devilish glee always written across his perfect lips. "Somehow, Seras, I still feel I've failed you."
"You haven't failed anyone." Smiling at him, she hugged him as best she could, working around bruised and broken bones. "I'm here now. You came for me and that's what matters! Deep in my heart, I knew that you wouldn't let him have me. I have something else I want to tell you, since I'm confessing everything."
Her last statement reeked of nervousness and some other emotion he couldn't place. "What would you like to tell me? You know, with all your confessing, I almost feel like a priest. But we both know that'll never happen." His small laughter cheered her and got her to relax a little more. "So tell me. I'm ready to find out what bomb's gonna drop next." Alucard's red orbs flashed with a teasing light.
Taking a steadying breath, Seras bit her lip. "In case something happens, I had to tell you how I felt." Watching his face for signs of rejection, she hoped it wouldn't be found there. "I've loved you for a long time now. And I think I'll love you until my second death. Before I finish, I must tell you that if you order me to love someone else...it'll never happen. You're kind of a hard act to follow." Giving her tears permission to fall again, crimson streams flowed from her eyes. "I'll never be able to love anyone like I love you. That's all. That's everything I had to say."
Alucard wasn't' that surprised at her admission. It was common for master's or fledgling's to fall in love with the other. Sometimes it was one sided but most often it wasn't. Smirking at her uncomfortable position, he decided to ease her mind, but first he had something to say in return. "Why, police girl, I'm flattered. I'm sure I taught you better than that. Don't you have better taste than to indulge your fantasies with my image?"
Crying hard now, Seras believed her master was rejecting her. Laying back down, she turned her back to him, wanting to be alone and release it all in peace. She squeaked when her body was lifted into strong arms and pushed tightly against a muscular, taut body. A male one at that!
"Seras, let me finish.", her master admonished. "I was kidding with you. Strong feelings are evident in me whenever you're near. For the longest I haven't known how to deal with them or you. These are things I haven't been confronted with in the many long centuries of my unlife." Placing a chaste kiss on her wet cheek, he continued towards her mouth.
Slowly and gently, he placed his lips against her own. Feeding her passion with his, Alucard didn't want things progressing too far too fast. Not until she was finally ready for that last irrevocable step. Breaking off from her, the No Life King, grinned at the moan that escaped from her throat. "Soon, my lovely Seras, soon."
Holding her, he let his thoughts wonder to their enemy existing outside these stone walls. 'Where are you, Xander? Enjoy your hiding place for now. I will find you!'
Seras rested comfortably in her master's protective arms. A voice rang out in her anguished mind.
"Seras...Seras, I'm waiting for you. Come to me, Seras. I know where you are."
This was his voice! She'd recognize that horrid, taunting voice anywhere. Attempting to keep it to herself, she forced herself to lie still. 'Please...go away! Please! I'm begging you...get out of my head!'
"Seras, I'll never leave you. If you refuse to come to me...then I'll come to you! Are you ready to see the destruction of those you care about? Alucard included. Using everything I have, I'll punish them all for your stubborn defiance! Is that what you want, Seras?"
Sensing the morbidity of his intentions, she didn't know how long this conversation would stay between them. Alucard could read her thoughts, but right now, she'd put up a very strong barrier. And also, he appeared to be sleeping like she was supposed to be. What to do...what can I do? He's so strong and I'm not certain he can be defeated by me. Another voice, so close to her heart, echoed in her mind.
"Seras, you're a child of Alucard. Open yourself to the strengths he's given you. Only then can you obliterate the demon haunting you! Use those strengths and bury the one who calls himself Xander!"
Seras wasn't sure of the second voice, but it gave her courage. It had given her courage to face down her demon and protect those she loves. With a lot of luck, she'd go out into battle and protect everyone important to her and Hellsing organization; also, she was doing this for humankind everywhere. One less demon to prey on the innocents of this world.
"Seras, I'm waiting. What will your answer be? Come willingly, or by force, killing all those who mean anything at all to you...what's your choice?"
Closing her eyes, bloody tears leaking out the side, she caressed Alucard's face and kissed him tenderly. "I'm doing this for Hellsing...most importantly, I'm doing this for you, Alucard. I love you! Goodbye."
Slipping out of his arms, Seras faded out of the room. Leaving behind a lingering sadness that couldn't be ignored, Seras hoped that her master would understand eventually why she did this.
The moment she'd left, Alucard's eyes snapped open. "Seras!" Exiting the room as did his fledgling, he reappeared outside the manor. There...in the open ground, was Seras and Xander! Damn him! Calling to her using their mental link, he spoke her name. "Seras, what are you doing? Tell me what's happening."
Seras couldn't get rid of the sound of the hurt and sadness in his voice. Returning her voice to him, "He threatened everyone here, including you. I couldn't allow him to do that! So for now, I'm going with him, but I want you to follow! I know you'll find me and that's what I'm counting on, Alucard. Bring the fight to him so we can keep the innocent masses out of this! I'll keep my link with you if at all possible. Just know that I love you and I'll be waiting for you to find me!"
Seras's back was turned to their foe and she couldn't see his intentions. Before she could put up any sort of struggle, he'd moved behind her and wrapped her tightly in his iron arms. Without any further interruptions, Xander sent a mocking salute in Alucard's direction. A gesture the former ex hunter undoubtedly knew would piss the Hellsing vampire off very greatly! "It's funny, Alucard...this is the second time I've possessed something of yours." Laughing his ass off, Xander brought his head right behind Seras.
Exchanging deadly glances with Alucard, fearlessly, Xander planted a soft kiss on Seras's cheek. Slipping his tongue between his lips, he slowly, tortuously licked a trail from her check to her shoulder. He enjoyed the pleasure it gave him knowing this one action disgusted the female in his arms. Xander wanted to hurt her and Alucard both by taking what didn't belong to him. He'd most assuredly enjoy it when the time came.
Seras recoiled in disgust from his tonguing ministrations. Her mental voice cried out to Alucard bearing all her suffering from Xander's touch. "My master, Alucard, I don't know how much more of this I can take! Help me! Take away these sensations he's giving me! Please! Alucard, do something...I'm begging you!" Tears streamed down her cheeks like twin rivers of blood. Emotions overwhelmed both her and Alucard. Intuitively, she knew that he could feel the fear and frustration she felt.
The mental vibrations Seras sent through their link tore him to pieces. Why did it have to be so damned hard? Watching Seras in her torture made him want to rip the bastard apart and show him what hell would really be like! When it was conducive for him and Seras, he'd release everything he had and make him suffer an eternity of pain! These thoughts were bringing the infamous psychotic Alucard, vampire who offered no mercy towards freaks, vampires or other supernatural forces that screwed with him or his!
Waving, Xander opened a void behind him. "So long dog of Hellsing. Come find us...if you dare." Stepping back into the black portal, he pulled Seras along with him. He'd force her to come kicking and screaming if that was the only way, it'd be done if no other way was possible.
Seras felt him tugging her backwards. She threw one last mental scream and cry at her master, her soon to be lover, Alucard. "Alucard!"
Xander and Seras were gone. Swallowed by that infernal portal! Who knows where they could be now. Holding his head, Seras's scream reverberated throughout his head bringing the mighty No Life King to his knees.
Raising his head, his eyes glowed a furious red. Snarling out of anger and frustration, "Xander, you son of a bitch, I'll find you! You'll pay with your very being! This I swear to you, Seras and myself! Your ass is mine!
Transforming into a huge, black wolf, Alucard ran off into the sunset. Searching for his kidnapped fledgling would take some time and there wasn't a moment to loose! Faintly he could feel their connection thrumming. As long as he had that...he could find her. He would find her no matter the consequences! Thinking about the danger Seras was thrown into made the violent creature rise again. This maniacal creature running on four legs looked forward to the oncoming battle in which he'd vanquish the foe once and for all eternity!
Throwing reassurance to his fledgling, Alucard sent it on swift wings,"Hold on, Seras, I'm coming. Don't give up no matter what. Just hold on! I'm on my way!" Hoping she heard him, there was tremendous relief when he received a faint reply.
"I'll do as you say, master...Alucard. I'm waiting..."
Her sweet voice faded away and he was left with nothing but his own thoughts. Breaking into a faster run, he tore through the quickly darkening forest. Heading towards the waterfront, Alucard assumed that's where the freak would be hiding, and with Seras in tow. Catching a familiar whiff with his wolf's senses, he growled. He found her trail!
While in the midst of running, the powerful master vampire shifted from wolf to his preferred method of travel...bats! They'd get him there much faster than his wolf form.
Stepping out of the void he created, Xander smugly drug a struggling Seras with him. "Stop! You'll never be free of me, so accept it and relax!"
Attempting to kick him, Seras tripped him, both of them tumbling to the ground. Grabbing her side, she moaned. Her ribs were protesting their rough treatment. Muttering, "Asshole!", Seras rolled away from him, getting to her feet. Her glare hard enough to bring an angry Alucard to his knees, pinned him and she laughed sarcastically. "You think you're man enough to handle me? You better grow a really long penis and a brain to match! If you have neither, then there's no way in hell you'll tap my ass! Not willingly anyway."
Xander, infuriated by her insults, stalked towards her and attacked. Punching her when she was off guard, she kicked his legs out from under him when she landed on the hard, rocky ground. "Bitch!"
"Keep going and I'll show you what a real bitch is!" Adrenaline rushed through Seras making her feel so invincible. If only she could hold out until Alucard's arrival. She blinked, her head spinning...then she flashed Xander a wolfish smile. Lashing out, Seras kicked him swiftly in the groin. Sending him down on his side, Xander cursed her existence for the pain she caused him.
Pulling his knife, he threw it at her and received quite a shock when she caught it between two fingers!
"Stupid bastard! Who the hell do you think you're screwing with? I'm not some little girl to be dismissed so easily!" Eyes darkening, temper erupting, she rushed forward throwing all her energy into her next flurry of kicks, punches and blocks.
Xander threw a fist at her face, which she effectively blocked with her forearm. Retaliating, she spun into a kick nailing him in the back. Xander stumbled but regained his footing. Standing up, he had a devilish smile spread over his face. It was slightly spooky. That smile was identical to the one her master wore when toying with prey and was enjoying the thrill they offered.
"Umm,Seras, your aggression is wonderful! I feel the darkness in you crying to be let out...it's such a turn on when you fight me! Release your inner darkness, Seras, revel in it!" Thrusting his arms at the sky, his laughter absorbed by the clouds ignorant of the approaching danger getting closer by the second. "Join me, Seras, you're so beautiful when you're fighting. A female vampire warrior so violent and bloodthirsty...you'd make the perfect partner for me."
"I'm going to disappoint you jackass! Alucard's the only perfect partner for me! You could never measure up in stature or in length, if you get my drift!" Confidence swarmed within her, she'd gotten in some great physical blows along with some even harder hits on his pride. Damn, it felt great!
Rushing at her, she threw him over her shoulder causing him to fall flat on his ass. Blurring his motions he flew swiftly at her and she dropped to the ground, planting her feet on his stomach, and throwing him once again. Reappearing by in front of her, there were many punches and blocks. Motions blurred faster than the eye could see. It ended with Seras getting careless.
Striking his throat with her palm, he fell backwards but didn't hit the ground. "What's the matter? Have I exhausted you already? What a shame! The way you bragged, I thought you had much more stamina than this!"
Anger fed the punch Xander threw at her stomach. It went completely through her slender body spraying blood all over the ground. "Big words for such a small woman."
Hate shining from her eyes she spat,"Fuck you! Although, it will never happen."
"We'll see about that,"came his reply.
Reaching down he meant to strike a paralyzing blow but a voice stopped him cold.
"Touch her again and I'll shove your head up your ass so hard, you'll have a second dick!"
Startled, Xander turned and there was Alucard standing. His enemy radiated intense hate and anger.
"I look forward to dismembering you and spreading your parts all through the deepest pits of hell! Are you ready to battle, maggot ,vampire trash?" The lights in his eyes exuded madness and supreme confidence that his enemy would go down in flames.
Seras glanced at her master,"What took you so long?"
Sparing her a small glance, Alucard replied, "Had to take the scenic route."
So the three vampires stood there waiting to see who would make the first move. Would the coward, Xander, be vampire enough to do it, or would Alucard have to be the first to engage.
Seras, retreated to her usual nervous habit and bit on her lower lip, mentally wishing her master luck.
Without warning, the two male vampires flew at each other in the rapidly darkening skies.
A/N: I'm being evil again and leaving you guys with a cliffy... anyway, read/review and let me know if you liked it or not! Thanx to everyone who's read or read/reviewed so far! It means a lot! L8r